Sidel Highlights 2023/2024
Cutting-edge PET lines strengthen production capabilities in the Middle East
The multinational IFFCO Group is expanding its condiments production capacity by installing Sidel’s complete PET lines in the UAE and a new facility in Iraq. IFFCO Group entrusted Sidel to oversee the entire turnkey line project and ensure optimal efficiency. The lines comprise cutting-edge equipment and produce up to 9,000 bottles per hour (bph). “The project management was commendable, and our collaboration proved effective in overcoming challenges,” explained Andrey Dribny, CEO of IFFCO Group – Culinary. “By partnering with Sidel, we benefit from their impeccable service, consistent reliability, and exceptional quality, which are vital for our daily operations.”
Collaborating on tethered caps and lighter bottles
Sidel drew on its expertise to support Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to introduce tethered caps for its PET bottles to increase recycling and prevent litter. Following a successful pilot, CCEP began converting all its Sidel lines within European factories to accommodate both tethered capping and a new bottle with a lighter neck. Sidel worked closely with CCEP to optimise the equipment configuration and validate quality. “The combined project management between CCEP and Sidel was key to the success of the project,” said Geert Marse, Technical Packaging Lead at CCEP.
Breakthrough contactless solution enhances product quality
Sidel optimised product quality and line operations at a brand-new bottling facility for Suntory Japan, a worldwide leader in beverage production and manufacturer of soft drinks and spirits. Sidel’s Gebo AQFlex® contactless single-file container handling solution avoids damaging or denting the light PET bottles. “Gebo AQFlex® has improved our production line in many ways, from the space-saving aspect, the simplicity of layouts to the wide range of automation solutions, and it has contributed to improving the line’s operating rate and quality,” said Toshiya Kobayashi, Chief Operating Officer at Suntory Japan.
PepsiCo PET lines converted to new bottle design
Sidel worked closely with the PepsiCo bottler MenaBev in Saudi Arabia to convert two Combi PET lines into seven new bottle formats in just one week at its 300,000 m2 plant. The conversion improved line performance and efficiency with a new lightweight design for the iconic Aquafina brand that uses 10 per cent less raw materials. The Aquafina line can now run up to 60,000 bottles per hour (bph) compared to its previous speed of 54,000 bph. “Our ability to adapt and convert existing Sidel lines enables customers such as MenaBev to rapidly respond to global changes and market needs,” said Karim Abdel Wahed, Service Manager at Sidel.
Aseptic solution helps leading Chinese food brand to move into the beverage market
Hainan Chunguang Foodstaff Co. Ltd chose Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis™ to bottle coconut milk in Sidel’s premium PET 350 ml design. The installation can run 28,000 bottles-per-hour (bph) and adds to the more than 100 Sidel aseptic line installations already installed in China. Sidel’s patented Predis™ aseptic filling solution, with dry preform decontamination, ensures product integrity, production flexibility, cost efficiency and sustainability. “We have been very satisfied with the service we have received from Sidel from the point of engagement to aftersales support,” said Xin Yan, Board member of Hainan Chunguang Food Co. Ltd.
Ghana’s first locally produced and aseptically bottled chocolate milk
Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd, Ghana’s largest cocoa processor, successfully installed its first-ever aseptic line through Sidel. The customer opted for Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis™ with dry preform sterilisation technology, which provides optimum food safety and product quality. The complete PET solution integrates Tetra Pak Processing Systems technologies and Sidel’s market-leading EIT® (Efficiency Improvement Tool) data system. “We selected Sidel because of its leadership in aseptic beverage production and packaging design,” said Edmund A. Poku, Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our expectations were fully satisfied.”
Edible oil bottling customer benefits from Sidel’s high-speed solutions
Following the installation of Sidel solutions, the customer Lesieur enhanced sustainability and flexibility at its edible oil bottling facility in Coudekerque, Northern France. The oil, sauce and condiment company can now produce lightweighted bottles and use recycled PET (rPET). The solutions also helped Lesieur rationalise its number of bottle formats, reduce its overall changeover times as well as optimise its energy consumption. “We were able to increase our general production capacity thanks to Sidel’s high-speed solutions. There has been a very positive impact on our production costs as well,” said Francis Arulraj, Project Manager at Lesieur.
